Public Statements

Senator Coons votes to confirm Tom Perez as Secretary of Labor

Statement

U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.), a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, voted to confirm Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Tom Perez as Secretary of Labor on Thursday. Mr. Perez was confirmed, 54-46. Senator Coons released the following statement:

"Equal access to economic opportunity is part of the bedrock of this country, and as our nation's recovery continues moving forward, it's more important than ever that our leaders remain focused on building an economy that gives every American a real -- and equal -- chance for success. Tom Perez has done outstanding work on civil rights issues at the Department of Justice, and I know he will work hard for every member of our nation's workforce and for each of the 12 million Americans still looking for work. I was proud to vote to confirm him as secretary of the Department of Labor today, and pleased that so many of my colleagues did as well. It is unfortunate that it took the threat of rules changes to break through the gridlock and get this vote scheduled, but I am relieved that we will not reach Labor Day without a Secretary of Labor on the job. I congratulate Secretary Perez and his family, and look forward to working with him to ensure that every American will have an equal chance to succeed in the workplace and in our economy."